The Dutch House of Representatives voted for a ban on online gambling advertising
On Tuesday, April 16, the Dutch House of Representatives in the Netherlands voted in favor of a ban on online gambling advertising and a ban on online gambling games with a very high risk. There were a total of 114 motions, 14 of which related to online gambling.
The motions were submitted by Michiel van Nispen (SP) and received just enough support for a majority. Furthermore, the motion was also adopted on strengthening the position of the administrator with regard to CRUKS, and increased measures against all illegal offers aimed at the Dutch Market.
BBB switching sides caused a breakthrough
In February, a motion for a total ban on gambling advertising did not receive enough votes. It was the BBB (BoerBurgerBeweging or Farmer Citizen Movement) that voted against this total ban in February, changed sides during this vote. Thanks to their 7 seats in the House of Representatives the motion received a total of 77 votes, which turned out to be enough to pass the motion.
“A ban on high risk online slots that pose a threat”
This was what Michiel van Nispen’s second motion included. He mainly refers to online slots, which he believes pose an increased risk because there is no control over the outcomes.
Online slots are the most important gaming category for legal casinos with 77% of turnover.
Most representatives that voted for the ban on online gambling advertising also did so for a general ban on games of chance with an increased risk. However, the BBB was the exception, they did not support this motion. A total of 79 MPs voted in favor of this motion.
Keeping an eye on the illegal gambling market
It is far from certain that the motions will be pushed through, because the continuation of any bans on casinos in the Netherlands is beneficial to the illegal gaming market where there are no regulations or player protection whatsoever.
“Illegal online casino’s are the big winners”
“The reality shows that overregulation actually drives online gamblers into the hands of the illegal gambling providers. People gambling online ultimately chooses the most attractive route, which offers the least resistance. After the vote, illegal online casinos are the winners.”
Björn Fuchs, CDO at Janshen-Hahnraths in his first reaction.
Outcomes of the motions
The Minister for Legal Protection, Franc Weerwind, will examine the outcomes of the motions in the near future. Weerwind previously advised against the proposed motions. The minister referred to results from the Monitoring Report. He stated that the introduced ban on untargeted advertising had the desired effect.
“We count on the the current cabinet that will be replaced and the cabinet to be formed to continue that sensible line and never jeopardize the protection of online players.”
Peter-Paul de Goeij, director of NOGA, the Dutch trade association of online gambling providers